Update 27/03/2026
Details can be seen in the photos and notes below but outlined here:
Breakwater
Licensing matters, specifically those related to the Seagrass Mitigation and Monitoring plan, delayed the Breakwater Construction start date which affected the supply chain and pushed planned Works into the Winter 2025/26 period. Weather conditions did not allow Breakwater Works during the winter months.
The Contractor will re-commence construction of the Breakwater as soon as the weather allows (during April 2026 date TBC) with the aim of completing these Works before winter 2026/27.
Slipway
The sub-contractor will be returning to site during late April/May 2026 (date TBC) to correct defects to the repair work.
Toilet Block
This is substantially complete, and while there has been some delays due to the supply of the doors, in particular the locking system, this is now concluded. Building warrant approvals are on-going with the aim to open the block and remove the temporary units during April.
Finishing works to the area surrounding the toilet block will be completed following the full installation of the Breakwater.
Licences and consents
- Planning Consent- complete 23/01793/PP | Construction of breakwater, demolition of existing toilet block, erection of replacement toilet block and installation of septic tank | Land South Of Iona Slipway Isle Of Iona Argyll And Bute
- Marine License – Rock Armour Breakwater – complete Marine Licence - Rock Armour Breakwater - Iona Ferry Terminal, Isle of Iona - 00010432 | marine.gov.scot
- 00010977 Basking Shark Licence: Basking Shark Licence - Construction of Breakwater and Dredging - Iona Ferry Terminal - 00010977 | marine.gov.scot
- 00010978 European Protected Species Licence: European Protected Species Licence - Construction of Breakwater and Dredging - Iona Ferry Terminal - 00010978 | marine.gov.scot
- Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) – complete (and ongoing where appropriate*).
- A License to Occupy and the long term lease of land owned by the National Trust for Scotland (NTS) is on-going.
Associated Matters
- *Associated with the EIA is a Seagrass Mitigation and Monitoring Plan which was approved by the Marine Directorate in July 2025.
- A specialist third party is undertaking Environmental monitoring and reporting throughout the construction period as required.
In order for the Council to address the conditions within the above licenses the Council set up regular meetings with Marine Directory, Nature Scot and Environmental and Sea Grass specialists.
Iona Ferry terminal pre-works
Works complete to date
- Slipway site mobilisation and set-up
- Slipway repairs
- Toilet block site mobilisation and set-up
- Toilet block demolition, construction of new block, connection to utilities, installation of Mechanical and Electrical components.
- Breakwater site mobilisation and set-up
- Breakwater – initial deliveries and placement of 1-3 tonne rock by barge 21,000 tonne.
Old toilet block demolition
Toilet block sub walls construction
Toilet block exterior
Profiling existing ground to take rock armour
Breakwater - core rock placement
Breakwater - core rock placement
Septic Tank housing
Septic Tank
Toilet block exterior
Toilet block interior
Toilet block accessible cubicle
Toilet block internal
Works in progress
- Finishes to toilet block including defects correction.
- Construction of foundation to Aid to Navigation beneath and within breakwater
- Defects correction to Slipway Repairs
Slipway repairs
Works required before completion
- Building Warrant approval of new toilet block.
- Removal of temporary toilet units.
- Delivery of approximate total 60,000 tonne of 1-3 tonne rock (core)
- Delivery of approximate total 60,000 tonne of 6-10 tonne rock (primary)
- Completion of rock armour bedding and core placement, and placement of ‘external’ primary rock armour to breakwater.
- Construction of access steps detail to AtN light from sea
- Tie in of breakwater to land levels
- Mechanical and electrical elements of breakwater (Aid to Navigation light)
- Dredging activity.
- Replacement of existing handrails, bollard and ducting of existing electrical cables on the ferry slipway.
- Make good any surfaces used during the Works / site compound occupation.
- Site demobilisation for slipway, toilet block and breakwater elements.
Upcoming Public Event for the Fionnphort Breakwater and overnight berthing facility
In accordance with Marine Directory we are required to undertake a Pre Application Consultation (PAC) which will take place at Fionnphort on 21st May, and at Iona on the 22nd May.
This event is publicised on Social media and in the following:
- The Oban Times
- The Edinburgh Gazette
